Women becoming entrepreneurs through skill development

By Baburam Karki

Baraha Kshetra, Jan. 16: Two women previously engaged in household chores have become entrepreneurs after attending skill-based training. Their daily routines, which used to revolve around household tasks a decade ago, have transformed along with their entrepreneurial pursuits. 

In recent years, skill-based training programmes in rural areas have empowered women to become self-reliant, significantly changing their lives.

These women, who once engaged in household and agricultural work, are now becoming self-sufficient by learning tailoring. Menuka Karki, 39, from Baraha Kshetra-10, Mangalbare and Rupa Limbu, 30, from Baraha Kshetra-9, have been operating a tailoring shop for the past ten years.

A decade ago, Karki was uncertain about starting a business and creating a stable source of income. Currently, she inspires others to take up entrepreneurship. After receiving tailoring training in her village, Karki, along with Limbu, has been running both a tailoring business and the Anusa Tailoring and Cutting Training Centre in Prakashpur.

Karki said, “Earlier, I used to have free time after finishing household chores, but now I use that time to run the tailoring business. We work from 8 am to 9 pm and ensure timely delivery of orders.”

According to Limbu, running a tailoring business with a clothing stock has been highly profitable.

She earns between Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 80,000 per month. Initially, they focused solely on stitching clothes brought by customers, but now they also sell clothing items tailored to women’s preferences.

“The income from tailoring has not only improved our daily lives but also brought happiness to our families. It feels great to see good returns from a business started with minimal investment,” Limbu said. Their story exemplifies that with determination, opportunities can be created within the country.

Limbu charges between Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,000 for stitching a blouse with a custom design. “We are satisfied with our business. Starting a venture has also strengthened our confidence,” she said.

Limbu also said that her entrepreneurial work had supported her husband, who returned from foreign employment to manage their household. “Since I am occupied with work from morning till late evening, my husband has been handling household chores and supporting me,” she added.

Karki and Limb jointly manage the tailoring business, which Limbu entered after learning from Karki. Their thriving business has not only pleased their families but also delighted their neighbours. They emphasized that dedication and hard work in tailoring lead to customer satisfaction.

Recently, there has been a growing interest in tailoring and beautification training in rural areas. As skill-based technical education fosters self-reliance and entrepreneurship, rural women are increasingly drawn toward tailoring and cutting.